Of the many features a client might consider for their custom home, a fireplace is a common favorite, and it’s easy to see why. There’s nothing quite like the feel of a fire on a chilly night, or the sight of a mantel lined with Christmas stockings, or the sound of crackling embers, to bring the family together.
And while it may seem that a fireplace is only good for providing heat and housing decor, the truth is… it’s so much more than that!
A fireplace can make the perfect focal point – one of the most important elements of interior design. (The focal point is the first place the eyes land and the emphasis on which the rest of the room’s design is built.)
If you’ve decided that a fireplace is a must-have for your new home, and more specifically, for your living room, we applaud you – it’s a great choice! But how do you make sure the fireplace is positioned, designed, and decorated to be the focal point you’re dreaming of? We’ll share some tips in this post.
First Step: Find The Right Placement
When it’s time to design your living room, the location of your fireplace is the first thing to consider. If it’s going to be a true heat source, you’ll want to make sure it’s positioned for safety, efficiency, and functionality. Your architect knows best, and he or she will work with you to determine the right placement.
If you’re going with a faux fireplace, you’ll have a little more freedom. Technically, you can install it anywhere, but if the goal is to make your fireplace the focal point of your living room, placement still matters. A decorative fireplace, tucked out of sight, might enhance a cozy reading corner, but it won’t serve as a focal point if it doesn’t catch the eye.
Regardless of which type of fireplace you choose, there are a few more things you’ll need to consider, like the arrangement of your furniture, how foot traffic might flow, and what you have in mind for decor. Will you go for a minimalist look? Or dress the mantel for every season? Talk to your architect about the vision you have, with as much detail as possible.
Materials Matter: Explore All The Options
Now that you’ve nailed down a location for your fireplace, you can begin to think about material. There are many options today, including stone, brick, tile, steel, concrete, and even wood, believe it or not!
If you’ve already decided on a style for your living room, go with a fireplace material that complements that style. For a modern vibe, you might add printed tile. For a western look, consider woodworking details.
If your fireplace is going to produce heat, your architect might ask you questions like: Is ease of use a priority? Do you want a low maintenance or high maintenance unit? What kind of fuel do you prefer? Your answers will help you determine whether you’d like an electric, gas, or wood-burning fireplace. This will also make it easier to eliminate certain materials, so you can land on the look that’s right for your family.
Just For Fun: Add Some Emphasis
Now, for the fun part! Once your home is built, you can sit back, relax, and feast your eyes on the focal point you worked so hard to create. You’ll notice right away how easily your fireplace makes a statement, all by itself. But just in case it doesn’t attract the attention you hoped it would, there are several ways you can add some emphasis.
Hang a piece of artwork over the mantel to bring eye-catching color and texture to the space. Or if you’re looking for something more personal, try a gallery wall of family photos. Mirrors are a great option, too, as they reflect light and make the room look larger. And if you really want to shake things up, you can paint your fireplace a solid color, a popular trend today.
